NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Following the end of the five-month writers' strike last week, a specific segment of television is reviving: first, with the return of late-night shows; and now, with 'Saturday Night Live,' which will launch its 49th season on October 14, as per the announcement on X.
NBC announced on Wednesday, October 4 that the season premiere will be hosted by Pete Davidson, who left the popular NBC sketch comedy show in May 2022, along with other well-known cast members like Kate McKinnon and Aidy Bryant.
According to NBC, the 'Bupkis' star will make his much-awaited hosting debut at the autumn premiere of the sketch comedy mainstay, which will also include musical guest Ice Spice.
The following week – October 21 – Bad Bunny will serve as both the host and musical guest. The Grammy winner has previously performed on the show, but this will be his first time hosting.
The whole ensemble from Season 48 is expected to return with the major role of Chloe Troast, who has performed with the writing team behind 'Please Don't Destroy.'
NBC declined to comment on whether any of the current featured actors, which includes Sarah Sherman and James Austin Johnson, had been elevated to the main cast.
Several other late-night shows have also returned, including 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,' 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!', 'Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,' and 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.'
Davidson, a former 'SNL' cast member, was set to host the program in May before the Writers Guild of America (WGA) went on strike and forced its cancellation.
As per Variety, the revival of the program follows a tentative agreement on a new contract between writers and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
Although SAG-AFTRA and the major studios are still at odds, the union indicated that 'SNL' cast members might rejoin the production.
The union said in a statement, "SAG-AFTRA members appearing on Saturday Night Live either as hosts, guests, or cast members are working under the Network Code agreement, which is not a contract we are striking."
"They are not in violation of SAG-AFTRA strike rules, and we support them in fulfilling their contractual obligations."
Pete Davidson left the program after season 47
Following season 47, Davidson left the program after eight seasons, the majority of which he spent as the youngest cast member.
The 'Dumb Money' actor debuted on the program at the young age of 20, and his humble "Weekend Update" performances are probably what made him a household name.
The high-profile romances that Davidson has had with celebrities like Ariana Grande, Kate Beckinsale, Kim Kardashian, Phoebe Dynevor, and Kaia Gerber have helped him gain even more fame in recent years.
Davidson recently ended his relationship with his 'Bodies, Bodies, Bodies' co-star Chase Sui Wonders and has since fueled romance speculations with 'Outer Banks' actress Madelyn Cline.
Recently, a source informed Entertainment Tonight that Cline, 25, and Davidson, 29, are in fact dating and had just spent time together in Las Vegas.
Netizens make dating jokes over 'future couple'
Given the 'Bupkis' actor has had an eye-catching dating history, internet users started making jokes over his return to the show alongside musical guest Ice Spice.
Following Daily Loud's revelation of Davidson's return to 'SNL,' one X user mocked, "Future couple". A second user mused, "Don't let him end up with her too".
"Great now he’s gonna start texting me again," assumed another user.
One user warned, "NOOOOOOOOOO KEEP THAT ADDICT AWAY FROM HER".
"Pete Davidson will be dating Ice Spice on October 15th," joked another one.
Others shared hilarious images and GIFs to joke about the upcoming 'SNL' duo.
